Nicole Burgoyne

Nicole Burgoyne is an Assistant Instructional Professor in Germanic Studies at the University of Chicago, specializing in 20th-century German literature, Cold War cultural studies, and socialist realism. Her research explores East Germany, workers’ culture, and the intersection of media and political ideology. She teaches courses on German film, modern prose, and medieval narratives.

Education:

• Ph.D., Harvard University (2016)
• A.B., University of Chicago (2008)

Research Interests: Her work spans Cold War-era German literature, oral traditions, and media analysis. Current projects include a study of Georg Lukács’ literary criticism and a workplace language survey involving German program graduates. She actively participates in academic networks like the BTWH research group and has published in PMLA and edited volumes on Red Vienna and samizdat archives.

Teaching & Outreach: She directs SPARK, an afterschool program integrating German with STEM, and teaches courses such as Arbeitskulturen and Märchen. Her teaching reflects interdisciplinary approaches to German cultural history.

Awards: Recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship (2008–2009) and grants from the German National Archive, the German Literature Archive, and the Memorial Library for Victims of Socialism.

Grants & Labs: Engaged in archival research across Europe, focusing on Cold War cultural opposition. Collaborates with the BTWH network on projects like The Red Vienna Sourcebook.